A Review of the Black-and-Red's Latest Signings

It’s been an active few weeks for D.C. United in the summer transfer market. Here’s a recap of the Black-and-Red’s latest additions to the squad.

Jared Jeffrey

On July 3, the club announced that it had picked up former U.S. youth international Jared Jeffrey through an MLS waiver draft for an undisclosed fee. Jeffrey, who plays in central midfield, most recently featured for the reserve squad of Bundesliga side FC Mainz from 2010-13, making 87 appearances and notching four goals. Previously, Jeffrey signed with Belgium’s Club Brugge at the age of 18 after being named Parade Boys Soccer National High School Player of the Year. He also boasts an extensive youth international resume, including stints with the U-17 Men’s National Team Residency Program—as well as captaining the U-17 team at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup—the U-20 side and the U-23 squad, in which he appeared alongside D.C.’s Bill Hamid and Perry Kitchen. A native of Richardson, Texas, the midfielder saw his first action for the Black-and-Red in last week’s international friendly against Chivas de Guadalajara.

Fellow midfielder Perry Kitchen had this to say about Jeffrey’s signing and potential impact on the team.

“Well, first, I think he’s a very good player, very good on the ball, works his tail off, and he’s got a little something going forward. So, I’m excited to have him here. He’s a great guy too. He’s a great guy in the locker room. He’ll be a good teammate. I think it’s a great pick up, and I definitely think he will help the team.”

Luis Silva

On July 9, D.C. acquired 24-year-old Luis Silva from Toronto FC in exchange for allocation money. As one of the League’s most exciting young talents, Silva scored five goals and tallied seven assists in 44 appearances for the Canadian side, who selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 2012 draft. Previously, Silva featured for the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) for four years and became the Gaucho’s first NSCAA First Team All-American in his senior year. He also played alongside United midfielder/forward Chris Pontius during his freshman year. The Mexican-American currently holds school records for joint-most matches played and fourth-most goals scored. Silva’s first action for the Black-and-Red came in last week’s international friendly against Chivas de Guadalajara, a game in which he started and played well into the second half.

Former collegiate teammate Pontius had this to say about Silva’s qualities and what he brings to the team.

“He’s a very dynamic player, he’s technically clean. He can produce whether its goals or assists. He is an exciting addition to our team. I think he can link up with our attacking players well. So, we need to get him integrated as soon as possible.”

Collin Martin

On July 10, the Black-and-Red announced that it had signed Academy product Collin Martin to a Homegrown contract, making the Chevy Chase, Md., native United’s sixth Homegrown player in club history. After joining D.C.’s Academy at 14 and progressing to the U-18 level, Martin featured for Wake Forest in 2012 and appeared in all 20 games en route to an All-ACC Freshman Team selection. The midfielder also represented the U.S. at the U-14, U-15, U-17 and U-20 levels; most recently, Martin participated in the U-20 camp in Carson, Calif., as well as the Toulon Tournament in France earlier this summer, where he started the team’s first game against France. Like Jeffrey and Silva, Martin saw his first minutes for United in last week’s international friendly against Chivas de Guadalajara.

D.C. United Director of Youth Development Sonny Silooy had this to say about Martin’s progression after working with the midfielder through the years.

“Collin is a creative and technical player who exhibits true playmaking qualities. We have enjoyed watching his progression from the Academy to the First Team, and are very proud of his accomplishment.”

Conor Doyle

On July 18, the club announced that it had acquired former U.S. youth international Conor Doyle on loan for an undisclosed fee as the result of a League lottery. The 21-year-old forward has featured for Football League Championship side Derby County since 2010, when he decided to forgo his freshman season at Creighton University and sign with the English club. Since then, the McKinney, Texas native has notched 23 appearances with the first team. Doyle also played with the U.S. U-20 National Team, tallying four goals in six appearances and netting twice at the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championships. After playing a single friendly for Ireland’s U-20 side, Doyle committed to the United States and has since collected one cap for the U.S. U-23 team.

D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper had this to say about Doyle’s talent level and experience.

“Conor is another quality young talent who has advanced international soccer experience for his age. This loan will allow us to take a close look at him with an eye on the future. We look forward to Conor’s arrival in DC and to integrating him among our strong core group of up-and-coming players.”